"Stars (1941)" Summary

When Friedrich fails to answer the pre-arranged signal knock, the narrator creeps into the pitch-dark apartment and whispers his name. The rabbi grips his arm and leads him into the living room, where he lights a candle. The windows are thickly covered and the table is all that remains of the old furniture. Herr Schneider says Friedrich is out with friends, probably stranded somewhere until morning by the curfew. The rabbi asks the narrator to thread a needle for him. On the table lies a pile of yellow stars of David with "Jew" woven in the center in mock-Hebrew letters. Herr Schneider stands up to show one already sewed to his coat, another to his jacket, and another to his waistcoat. He relates how in the Middle Ages Jews had to wear pointed yellow hats. Now, they are back. The rabbi...